Using Proactive while pregnant?

Bcbscorp

A while ago on the boards someone said Proactive was on the "do not use" list of products while pregnant. Apparently the list that rates products A,B,C,D,X and said poster said proactive was listed under X. I can't find any info for myself on this.

Anyhow I have had major acne since stopping its use (once I found out I was pg) so I asked my doctor on Friday to recommend something and his response was "Your having a boy" and basically that its a "cute" side effect of the testosterone now in my body. I pointed out that it wasn't "cute" by any means and he basically said there is nothing he recommends.

That being said, I read in "My pregnancy week by week", that benzoyl peroxide (gel) is safe during pregnancy. BP is the active ingredient in Proactive but because I've heard it's on the do not use list I thought I'd ask if anyone had any additional information to help!

alyssa7

I asked my dr. and she said its ok to use proactive so I'm still using it.

shotzie

Does it have salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid BHA) in it?  I know you're not supposed to use stuff with salicylic acid in it - it's in the Aspirin family.

NeverKnew

How about seeing a dermatologist?  Surely they wouldn't write it off as a ridiculous gender-predictor, and could prescribe something that is pg-safe?

happilyhis

I got the ok from my doc to use it during my last pregnancy and I use it now as well.

graywhy

My dr. said proactive is okay to use...Im using the cheap version (panoxyl) which has the same major ingredient with the same dose. I still get some doozies though - not enjoying it one bit!!!

Bcbscorp

Thanks ladies! From what I read on the label I saw no sacylic acid, the mask has sulfur something in it but I never use it other than for spot treatment (rarely). Benzoyl Peroxide is the only active ingredient in the 3 step program.

A dermetologist would be the next step, seeing as I saw the negative info about it on the boards that only holds so much stock with me unless someone can provide a link.

As far as his gender prediction, I'm going to remind him of that moment if we find out we're having a girl. He got my DH all excited!

Married2MrWright

I am still using it and my doc said it's okay.  The Repairing Loion is 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide and not Salicylic Acid.

Unfortunately, it is not controlling my break-outs as well as it did pre-pregnancy, but it's better than nothing at this point!  Makes me think I am having a boy too!

Now for some links:

https://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/acnetreatment.html

When choosing over-the-counter medicated acne cleansers and treatments, it is advised that you consult with your health care provider first. There are products that contain benzoyl peroxide, which have been recommended safe for pregnant women to use. However, there are over-the-counter medications that you may want to avoid such as products containing salicylic acids. Always consult your health care provider before taking ANY medications during pregnancy, whether prescription or over-the-counter.

https://www.your-best-acne-treatment.com/benzoyl-peroxide-and-pregnancy.html 

OTC Benzoyl Peroxide

Questions about benzoyl peroxide and pregnancy safety remain a concern. BP works by killing acne bacteria deep within the skin and is found in concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 10% in topical creams and gels. There are also prescription forms of BP or combinations of BP with other active agents that you can get from your doctor.

Here are the two sides of the debate for benzoyl peroxide and pregnancy safety:

Benzoyl peroxide is commonly used: Currently, there are no case reports about benzoyl peroxide and birth defects in research studies. So far it appears there is a low risk to the unborn child.

However?

Benzoyl peroxide is a category C drug: So far, there have been no studies on humans or animals that show risk correlations between benzoyl peroxide and pregnancy. This means the risk is still unknown. About 5% of each topical dose is absorbed systemically. It is unknown if BP passes into breast milk.

Make sure you consult with your doctor about taking BP safely.

https://www.articleclick.com/Article/Pregnancy-and-Acne-Treatment/500

The two most common ingredients found in the majority of most acne treatments are Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. It has been tested and determined that benzoyl peroxide is safe for women to use during pregnancy. However, it has also been determined that salicylic acid that is taken orally, such as a pill, has been known to cause some birth defects and may complicate pregnancy. Women must be careful when selecting a product to use, as a product that contains benzoyl peroxide will often contain salicylic acid as well.

mlf625

Proactiv IS okay. ?I've asked 2 OBs! ?It has benzoyl peroxide, which is safe. ?The docs who say no are likely assuming it contains salcylic (sp?) acid, which is unsafe and not in Proactiv.

lindseymoholland

I'm still using it as my doctor and other moms have told me is safe.

sarajo317

shotzie:

Does it have salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid BHA) in it?  I know you're not supposed to use stuff with salicylic acid in it - it's in the Aspirin family.

 

My dr just said on friday that salicylc acid is fine.. OTC stuff is fine.. it has so little salicylic acid in them (2%) that it will do no harm... and as long as its does NOT have Vitamin A in them. That was her big No-No for me.